Business Plan and Community Share Rules

PLEASE NOTE: to maximise our potential benefit from the share offer, we require as many local individuals and businesses as possible to invest. If your household can afford more than one set of shares, please purchase as individuals. Every individual who buys shares becomes a member of the Society, with voting rights. 

What is a community Share Offer in the Loch Ness Hub? 

Community shares are a way for people to invest in what matters to them. Community members buy shares in enterprises providing goods and services. In turn, the Loch Ness Hub is controlled and governed by the community it serves. 

Will there be a profit? Based on conservative projections, yes, the whole basis of this project is about generating profits for the community.

Will I receive a dividend from my investment? We hope to be able to issue dividends within the first three or four years, but this will be dependent upon how quickly we become profitable. The more we raise through shares, the sooner this is likely to be.

Where will the profits be spent? The community benefit profits will be administered by GURCA [a requirement of the benefit Society Rules is that surplus profits are passed via a suitable community body] and will be spent entirely within the Glen Urquhart Community Council Area. E.g. The Village Hall, public spaces, new amenities. All GURCA members can have a say in how any profits are spent.

Who can invest? Any individual on the electoral roll or business. (Restrictions may apply to some businesses)  email info@lochnesshub.com

How much should I or my business invest? As much as you can afford/wish, up to the maximum £11,000. We need to raise between £50,000 and £110,000. The more we raise, the less we need to borrow. 

How much do the shares cost? The shares are set at £25 per share, with a minimum investment of £50 and a maximum of £11,000. A £50 investment will buy you 2 shares.

How will the voting structure operate All shareholders obtain one vote each, irrespective of level of investment.

How do I buy shares? By Post - Contact us to request a share offer document or visit lochnesshub.com. Tel, Text, Whatsapp “Shares x ?” (? = The number of shares you would like to buy) along with your name and address to 07775625771. email – info@lochnesshub.com

I'd like to donate rather than have shares, is this possible? Yes. If you wish to donate, you can do so at our Launch Day on the 19th September, or by sending us payment via post or BACS. 

How do I pay? We can accept, cash, cheque, bank card or BACS transfer (Using your full name as a reference)

How can I find out more or ask further questions? Email info@lochnesshub.com  or Tel Russell on 07775625771

Questions from the community:

Q - Instead of purchasing baggage handling / moving company.. is it feasible and more economic to start one from scratch?

A -  This was considered but acquiring the existing business brings us benefits in terms of goodwill, market share and the owners expertise which would be lost if we tried to start from scratch. We would see lower revenues and wouldn't be able to deliver the services or community benefit described in the overall business plan. 

We are taking the expertise of the business owner with us, as he has agreed to ghosting us for the first 12 months, this gives his agencies the comfort of dealing with someone familiar whilst we learn the ropes.   

Q - Can we buy shares as a couple?

A - Yes, but if you are able to invest £100 or more, it benefits us for Glen Urquhart residents for to register separately, as 75% of our members must be from within the community council area. To register as more than one person, please use application form No 4.

Q - I do not live in the area, can I still invest?

A - Yes, if a UK resident, please use the application forms provided. For non UK residents, please email us @ info@lochnesshub.com

Q - When can I apply?

A - Any time between the 19th September and the 17th October 2020